THABILE BOCK

ThabileBock(MaidenNameVilakazi)is ThabileBock(MaidenNameVilakazi)is ThabileBock(MaidenNameVilakazi)is apropertygurusettotakeoverthe apropertygurusettotakeoverthe apropertygurusettotakeoverthe propertyindustry,onepropertyatatime. propertyindustry,onepropertyatatime. propertyindustry,onepropertyatatime.

With a strong background as a property practitioner and manager for many property companies she had a good foundation to venture out on her own She runs one CEDE Property Agency Glenwood, a fresh, vibrant, energetic and progressive real estate entity With a natural love for people and an interest in the industry, she fell in love with the estate agent industry as she loves solving people’s property needs since 2014. Her success is because over the years she prioritises maintaining integrity, honesty and fairness in my business dealings; “I am a believer and very grounded in faith and spiritually. That sets the tone for my life and my foundation in everything I do” she affirms

Building my own empire…

In 2022 she was set to the franchise and run her own branch. It has been a rocky ride for the KwaMashu born property guru It is operating a small business, however her 5year goal includes expansion and doubling her staff component which is currently at 6 The future is definitely bright with more partnerships, collaborations and ventures

Estate agency is believed to be motivated by money I am motivated by the quality of my service. When I am here to stay in the industry I want to know I have earned my money and the value I give I must be paid for it as well.

Thabile Bock is a brand on its own and someday I will trade under that name. This is something I want to leave behind for my future generation CEDE property agents is a franchise and that does come with some marketing advantages. They use social media and register on various property websites.

We are open to doing business, we follow the industry norms and standards We do not take a half commission as that will reduce the value of our business, we want to grow in property and partner with people with the same vision.

She has just been given a slot in community radio to bring more advice and education on the property business.

Family Ties Milestones

Bock is a mother of three girls and one boy and wife to Pastor Henry Bock who has always been a pillar of strength and support on all her ventures. Her twin brother, Thamsanqa Vilakazi is someone she looks up to. He is a qualified Architect with more than 15 years of experience. He has never had it easy but he fought his way to the top of his world, I love his energy. Her mom is also a source of inspiration she never gives up and has always worked hard.

A significant milestone was selling her first commercial building worth R10 million. It was an affirming sale as the client called Bock distraught for Bock to solve her property issues. “I worked till late and came across the building that was for sale in a week. I negotiated the selling price and in no time a sale agreement was drawn up” she says confidently

In the future, she needs deals of this nature and bigger ones Currently, she is looking for a buyer for 100 000 sqm of land for sale in Simbithi at a cost of R55 million

The greatest milestone is people coming back with gratitude and testimonies, especially tenants, landlords, buyers and sellers. Their appreciation of the CEDE property service is encouraging

She is inspired by her kids in different ways. “I take from each of their characters something new or something big”, she says, “they remind me that I should be the best of myself”.

Advice:

With every deal she does, she offers not only a property but an experience as well. I want the encounter to have meaning and it's really not difficult. just do the best job and the rest will fall in place for your benefit in the future.

It is important to follow one’s natural instincts. This will assist in knowing what you are meant to do

Do what you love, and money will come. Finish what you started and do not give up too soon.

Enjoy the fruits of your work but not for too long as tomorrow is another day of work.

Time is the same for everyone It depends on what you do with it, if you can do more within that same time you have a greater advantage.

Each of us can achieve because we fear failure, something not familiar, and even resilience. Sometimes we have to stay the course and finish the race for each level of our lives. We give up too soon.

Hurdles

One of the limitations is that usually, people will give mandates to well-known brands so as a small business it's really hard to secure good mandates, the ones one gets are usually the ones that have been in the market for a long and usually they are highly-priced. We use the same method as the bigger brands however the shortcoming is the big brands have a bigger platform as they spend a lot on marketing and advertising.

Whereas as a small business, there is a lack of funds which limits and delays us from doing more at a particular time.

What is the future?

The future of my business is to grow my business in this industry To do new things and manage bigger buildings. She aims to venture into other areas of the industry as well Soon she plans to ‘flip houses’, to buy, renovate buildings and sell at a profit This will need great investments at a funding level, for mutual gain.

To also partner with developers in finding places for them to buy and build for profit. I want to have a tv show in the property industry Working with her daughter, in the beginning, phase of a construction business which works hand in hand with the estate industry.